Gas above $4 per gallon, hopefully not for long

POTSDAM - With the price of gas now above $4 a gallon, motorists looking for cheap gas may want to fill up in Potsdam instead of Massena.

The price per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Potsdam Friday morning was anywhere from three to five cents per gallon cheaper than the least expensive gas in Massena.

A gallon of regular unleaded was being sold for $4.07 at both the Stewarts and Sunoco on Market Street. At the Mobil station, also on Market Street, they were selling regular unleaded at $4.09 per gallon.

In Massena, several stations were selling regular unleaded for $4.15 a gallon including Stewarts on state Route 37, Sunoco on both Main and South Main streets, as well as Mountain Mart on South Main Street.

Drivers willing to venture a little farther down state Route 420 will find gas a little bit cheaper. At the RPM Mini Mart, located less than a mile outside the village, gas was $4.12 per gallon.

While the price of gas may be cheaper in Potsdam than Massena, the price in Potsdam was also below the state average.

According to GasBuddy.com the state average Friday morning was $4.11 per gallon of regular unleaded, while the national average was $3.86.

One month ago the state average was $3.89 compared to a national average of $3.68. A year ago the averages were $3.85 and $3.63 respectively.

Although he said hes not sure exactly when the price of gas will begin to decline, GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick J. DeHaan said he envisions it dropping again in the near future.

The price may start dropping closer to and in October, he said, adding, Tight regional supply has boosted prices along the east coast.

As for the dreaded $5 per gallon that keeps popping up in peoples conversations and nightmares, Mr. DeHaan said he doesnt feel like thats something people need to be worried about.

Five dollars a gallon likely wont happen unless theres a real disruption to the oil or gas supply, he said.

When asked who is to be blame for the high price of gasoline, Mr. DeHaan said thats really a tough question to answer.

Perhaps no one is to blame for gasoline being high, he said. Perhaps its our own demand that is driving prices higher.

Mr. DeHaan though, did say he knows who is not to blame, and contrary to popular belief, the high price of gas is not the presidents fault.

Much to the chagrin of the motoring public, it has little to do with the election, he said.

Referring to the highs and lows of national averages over the past two presidencies, Mr. DeHaan offered this comparison.

Gas prices under Bush were sub-$2 and over $4, he said. Under Obama, sub-$2 and near $4. It makes no difference whos in office.

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